When general manager Neal Huntington says, "We have guys who ultimately deserve better fates," Holdzkom is one of the guys to whom he refers.

Holdzkom has made seven spring appearances and in eight innings has allowed three runs with nine strikeouts to three walks.

The runs off Holdzkom have come the two times manager Clint Hurdle tried to stretch him out. That is, the tall righty has been flawless in the one-inning role in which he was used exclusively in September.

That could be both good and bad news for him: He continues to prove dependable as a one-inning setup guy; the Bucs, however, may prefer a more versatile arm to partner with Radhames Liz, who effortlessly stretched out to three innings on Sunday.

"We're looking in the 'pen for another guy who can shoulder that responsibiity," Hurdle said. "Holdzkom is a possibility down the line, but now we'll ramp him down, have him focus on throwing one inning."

Huntington confirmed something he has already told the pitchers involved: In the event of "ties," Minor League options beome the tie-breaker.

"When things are relatively equal, things outside of a player's control become factors," Huntington said. "Yes, options … and we've been very transparent with our guys about that."

Those departing will be shown the door with "See you soon," not "Goodbye."

"That's a big part of this: It's not an irreversible position," Huntington said. "We've had guys pitch really well, and we'll need them to pitch meaningful innings for us this year -- especially guys sent down this late in the game."

Holdzkom famously survived years on the fringes of independent ball to find his way to the Major League clearing, and Huntington is confident that gives him the fortitude to remain focused and committed if sent out.

"He's a guy who was released out of an independent league a year ago and fought his way to pitching in meaningful games for a playoff-calibre team," the GM said. "We believe he can and will do that again -- if that's the case."